AUSTIN November 22, 2014 – The Texas economy added 35,200 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs in October. Over the year, Texas added 421,900 total nonfarm jobs, setting a record for jobs added in Texas for the third consecutive month. In September, the Texas economy grew by a revised 414,700 jobs over the year. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.1 percent in October, down from 5.2 percent in September, and down from 6.2 percent in October 2013.

“We have witnessed the Texas economy growing stronger and stronger over the last several years, culminating in another record-breaking month,” said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Andres Alcantar. “The diversity of our growing industries, businesses, and skilled workers, has made for a prosperous Texas. I’m proud of all of them for making the Lone Star State great.”

Eight of 11 major industries added jobs in Texas over the month, led by Trade, Transportation, and Utilities with 17,500 jobs added in October. This industry has added 102,700 jobs over the year, growing at a pace of 4.5 percent. In the last 12 months, every major industry in Texas has shown positive annual growth, with seven out of 11 growing at or above 3.5 percent annually.

“It is great to see the continued job growth here in Texas along with the declining unemployment rate,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. “Clearly opportunities are there for the hard-working people of Texas, including job seekers, and I encourage them to visit texasworkforce.org to learn how to find them.”
All three major Goods Producing industries in Texas showed positive growth in October. Employers added 1,500 Manufacturing jobs, while Construction grew by 9,200 jobs. Mining and Logging, which includes oil- and gas-related jobs, grew by 4,100 positions. Mining and Logging grew at a rate of 11.3 percent over the year, faster than any other major industry in Texas.

"The private sector continued to drive growth in Texas, adding 38,900 jobs in October for a total of 387,700 jobs over the last 12 months,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “I applaud once again the employers who have helped bring such a culture of growth and innovation to Texas.”

The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest October unemployment rate in the state at 2.5 percent. The Odessa MSA came in second at 3.0 percent and the Amarillo MSA ranked third at 3.5 percent (not seasonally adjusted).

Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit www.tracer2.com.
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